Harwinton's second annual Hometown Holiday Celebration set for Dec. 1

Harwinton >> Santa and Mrs. Claus, the elves, the reindeer and Christmas spirit are on their way to Harwinton as the town prepares for its second annual Harwinton Hometown Holiday Celebration on Dec. 1 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Town hall and Library complex located off Bentley Drive.

The event will include many holiday festivities, many of which are deemed classics to celebrating Christmas time, especially for children.

There will be a tree lighting with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and residents are encouraged to bring a hand-crafted ornament to hang on the tree.

Gingerbread house demonstrations will give participants the opportunity to watch and even decorate their own gingerbread houses, while the Grinch will read the classic children's story "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas" at the Harwinton Public Library.

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Children will be able to send their Christmas lists to Santa just in time for Christmas as there will be a letter writing station and a special "elf mail drop box."

The celebration is geared as a community event for everyone.

"It's really a wonderful way to gather the community," said Steve Criss, chairman of the Harwinton Holiday Celebration Committee. "People will have a chance to meet and talk with their neighbors before the Christmas craziness begins."

"It's good quality, family time for people to take some time out from their busy schedules and every day stresses to enjoy a wonderful event with their family," said First Selectman Mike Criss. "Harwinton is a gem and we like to take every opportunity we get to remind people what a special place we live in and just how special our residents are."

The overall goal is "to bring the community together in order to help build community and Christmas spirit and awareness," according to the first selectman.

Hundreds of luminaries will light the pathways to the celebration as a way to honor a loved one who passed away and help fund the event for all residents to enjoy.

The event began last year with the help of the Economic Development Committee as a way to give back to the community and start off the new administration, with Mike Criss as its new first selectman, on the right foot.

Last year the celebration attracted 1,500 people. Organizers hope that last year's success will continue with at least 3,000 members of the community participating in the many festivities.

Hayrides, a circus troupe, face painting and other interactive activities along with live holiday music will entertain people of all ages. Families can get their Christmas cards done as there will be holiday pictures with Santa.

Harwinton Youth Sports Association is providing burgers, hot dogs, fried dough, coffee and hot chocolate for a small fee. A holiday open house and wreath and craft sale will be at the Harwinton Library from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. that day as well.

Parking for the event will be on-site at the Town Hall parking lot, at the library and in the recreational field's complex.

Overflow parking will be available at Harwinton Consolidated School and an All-Star Transportation shuttle bus will be available to pick-up and drop-off at the event. Guests should plan to check in at the information booth located adjacent from the town gazebo for a complimentary program book and activity map. A rain date is set for Dec. 2 from 4 to 7 p.m.